Senior and graduate students from Iowa State’s College of Design can enroll in a studio class called Retail Scapes studio. The class focuses on one community for the entire semester with each student eventually selecting a project. The Main Street Board of Directors was approached to consider working with the class and enthusiastically made the financial and time commitment. A goal of branding the community this year led to this idea of working with the students to get fresh ideas.
Students are conducting their own research on Jefferson but also visited the community on Jan. 27 for a driving tour and a chance to walk around on their own. More than 40 community members attended a gathering late in the day to be interviewed individually by students on their perceptions and ideas for Jefferson. These students will return to the community throughout the semester.